Guidelines and Application

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to supporting the conservation of imperiled species, habitats and their surrounding communities through species preservation, research and education. The Zoo is offering competitive small grants in amounts not to exceed $2,500.00 each. 

Grants will be awarded based on proposal merit and in accordance with one or more of the following purposes:

• Conservation Education – building an awareness of a conservation program that can effect change. 

• Scientific Research – in-situ or ex-situ research projects that have a direct impact on conservation of an imperiled species or habitat in its native location.

• Species Preservation – direct care or work with an imperiled species in-situ or ex-situ which results in an improved capability to preserve that species in its native habitat.

Requests will not be considered for the following:

• Salaries, with the exception of locally hired support staff.

• No more than 20% of awarded funds can be used towards travel expenses (travel expenses are defined as air and ground transportation).

• Awarded funds cannot be used for indirect costs, direct mail solicitations, funds reimbursement or annual campaigns.

Additionally, if awarded a grant:

• The Oklahoma City Zoo must be recognized in all project publications and a copy of the publication must be submitted to the Oklahoma City Zoo.

• A project update is required within one year after funds are dispersed and a final report is required upon project completion.

• Individuals or institutions/organizations may re-apply annually after a project update has been submitted, but are not guaranteed additional funding.

Checks will not be made out to individuals. 

The 2022 CAN Grant is now closed, please check back in August of 2023.